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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Fort Richelieu is a military building in Sète, in the Hérault department, built in the 18th century under the reign of Louis XV. Its construction, begun in 1745, was entrusted to architect Antoine de Niquet, general engineer of the fortifications of Provence, Dauphiné and Languedoc. The cost of the building, estimated at 50,000 pounds, was borne by the Languedoc States. This fort was part of a network of coastal fortifications designed to protect the area, and as early as 1746 it had 52 cannons guarded by two soldiers and one sailor.

The fort consists of three aileron terraces, with a central sea-facing body housing the main artillery battery. The barracks, located at the rear, complement this defensive ensemble. A half-moon salient on the Mont Saint-Clair side protects the structures and includes a powder shop. This strategic site, dominant Sète and its port between the Thau pond and the Gulf of Lion, is one of the two forts of the city, alongside the former Fort Saint-Pierre.

Ranked a historic monument since May 10, 1996, Fort Richelieu now belongs to the National Navy. Although generally closed to the public, it exceptionally opens its doors during Heritage Days or local events, such as the 5th Assize of Thau in October 2023, where its semaphore was accessible. A one hectare botanical garden, at its feet, was designed to be open to the public from 2020.

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